Sitka Assembly Regular Meeting - June 10, 2025

The Sitka City and Borough Assembly convened at 6:00 PM on June 10, 2025, in Assembly Chambers under Mayor Steven Eisenbeisz. The meeting covered special reports, consent items, an appeal of a Planning Commission subdivision denial, multiple ordinance readings, election certification, and administrative updates. Voting members present: Christianson (recused from appeal), Eisenbeisz, Pike, Carlson, Saline, Ystad. Absent: Mosher.

Consent Calendar

• Item A (25-082): Approved liquor license renewals for Cascade Convenience Center and Watson Point Liquors.
• Item B (RES 25-09): Authorized a grant application to Alaska DOT for extrication tools (first/final reading).
• Approved by 6-0 vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• On the subdivision appeal:
  • Robin Sherman (Planning Commission member): Stated her no vote was based on public safety concerns about the substandard road and bridge on Harris Island. She noted potential for over a dozen new homes via existing rights and subdividing, and that heavy construction vehicles would exacerbate risks.
  • Greg Charlton: Opposed the subdivision, citing safety issues with the one-lane bridge and noting that restrictive covenants on the property (one dwelling per lot) remain legally binding.
  • Kord Christianson (co-owner of Lot 14): Opposed, arguing the creator’s vision was one house per lot and that approving this would open the door to more subdivisions, potentially requiring the city to take over the road and bridge.
  • Connie Kreiss (neighbor): Supported the subdivision, stating neighbors have collaboratively maintained the road and bridge for years and that the Nichols’ subdivision would not significantly change traffic. She acknowledged road limitations but felt the community would handle any failure.
  • Roger Hames (resident of Lot 4): Supported the subdivision, noting the island’s charm and the neighbors’ history of self-managing road issues. He expressed respect for dissenting neighbors but asked for approval.
• On other items: None.

Discussion Items

• Appeal of Planning Commission Denial (25-050):
  • The Assembly voted 5-0 (Christianson recused) to conduct a closed-record appeal based on evidence from the February 19, 2025 Planning Commission meeting.
  • Staff presentation (Amy Ainslie, Planning Director): Explained the request for a minor subdivision into two lots at 305 Islander Drive (Lot 5, Harris Island Subdivision). Staff had recommended approval, but the Planning Commission denied it 2-1 citing public safety concerns over the unmaintained road and bridge, and lack of a road maintenance agreement. The appellant argued the subdivision met all zoning and subdivision code requirements, that the bridge issue was a neighborhood responsibility, and that a bare quorum at the February meeting (only three commissioners) led to an unfair decision.
  • Appellant presentation (Carina Nichols, on behalf of brother Ryan): Emphasized the lot conforms to zoning, argued the denial was driven by neighbors’ fears of future development rather than the merits of this request, and noted a road maintenance agreement was not legally required for subdivision approval. She stated the bridge would eventually need replacement regardless, and more households would share costs.
  • Assembly deliberation: Members JJ Carlson, Chris Ystad, Timothy Pike, and Steven Eisenbeisz discussed safety concerns, potential precedents, and the adequacy of the bridge. Carlson initially considered remanding to Planning Commission but eventually supported granting the appeal, noting that many lots on the island can already be developed without subdivision and that safety is a separate conversation. The motion to grant the appeal and approve the preliminary plat subject to conditions (from the February 19 staff report) passed 5-0. The Assembly also adopted the staff’s findings (that the plat meets subdivision code, comports with Comprehensive Plan, and is not injurious to public health/safety/welfare) by 5-0.
• ORD 25-16 – Vacation and sale of a 14,847 sq ft portion of Neva Street right-of-way. Amy Ainslie summarized that the vacated land would be attached to adjacent properties per code, with a 20-foot utility easement retained. Sale price of $28,520 was set in August 2024. Approved on first reading 6-0.
• ORD 25-15 – Supplemental appropriation for Marine Vessel Haul Out and Shipyard (Phase I completion). Administrator Leach explained the funds are needed for power/controls, pier safety, equipment (telehandler), environmental compliance, and operating costs to make the yard turnkey and lower haul-out rates. Total ~$570,000 from GPIP working capital, Economic Development Fund, and General Fund. Approved on first reading 5-1, with Assemblymember Saline voting no.
• ORD 25-13 – Amendments to the Personnel Policies Handbook (definitions, step movement, sick leave, health insurance, travel, performance evaluations). HR Director Branthoover summarized changes. Approved on first reading 6-0.
• ORD 25-14 – Supplemental appropriation for Administration Department reorganization. Administrator Leach proposed creating an Assistant Municipal Administrator (restructuring the HR Director position) and adjusting reporting structures (e.g., moving Parks and Rec, Tourism, Assessor, Building Official). The appropriation funds a new HR Assistant and salary adjustment (~$148,000 total). Assembly clarified the vote was only on the appropriation; the reorganization itself is an administrative action. Aspirational notes about merging GPIP Board and Ports/Harbors Commission were discussed but not voted. Approved on first reading 6-0.
• 25-083 – Certificate of Election for May 28, 2025 Special Municipal Election. Clerk Peterson reported 2,996 ballots counted; Proposition 1 (cruise limitations) failed with 826 yes to 2,170 no. Approved 6-0.

Key Outcomes

• Subdivision appeal granted: Preliminary plat at 305 Islander Drive approved with conditions (5-0).
• ORD 25-16 (Neva Street) passed first reading (6-0).
• ORD 25-15 (Shipyard supplemental) passed first reading (5-1).
• ORD 25-13 (Personnel policies) passed first reading (6-0).
• ORD 25-14 (Admin reorganization) passed first reading (6-0).
• Certificate of Election accepted (6-0).
• Reports: School Board update on state funding threats; HR quarterly (NeoGov rollout, hiring); IT quarterly (network upgrades, 209 help desk tickets); Clerk quarterly (special election stats). Administrator reported withdrawal of Visit Sitka RFP by Orca Killer Creative, return of RAISE grant for Marine Service Center, police chief recruiting with two finalists, and federal appropriations progress ($1.12M for harbor electrical, $6.75M for GPIP haul-out).
• Meeting adjourned at 9:10 PM.